By Dr. Elena Shockman, VMD
As veterinarians, we witness these quiet instincts all the time. And for me, they’ve always been a gentle reminder that healing is as much about comfort and environment as it is about medicine.
I’ve always been fascinated by how animals instinctively seek out light. Cats stretching into a patch of sun across the kitchen floor, dogs turning toward a window in the morning just to feel its warmth — even injured pets often find their way to a beam of sunlight when they’re resting. It’s as if they know, on some level, that light helps them heal.
There’s a moment every veterinarian cherishes — when a pet who once struggled to move takes those first confident steps again. Maybe it’s an older Labrador easing back into his morning walks, or a cat finally leaping onto her favorite windowsill after weeks of stiffness. Those moments remind me why I do what I do: helping pets heal and helping their people feel empowered in the process.
Over the years, I’ve seen how much veterinary medicine has evolved. We no longer look at healing as a single path or protocol. It’s a partnership between modern medicine, good nutrition, mobility support, and sometimes — the right kind of light.
I still remember one of my earliest cases that opened my eyes to this more holistic approach. Bella, a senior golden retriever, was recovering slowly after surgery. Her incision was healing, but she was clearly uncomfortable. Along with traditional wound care and pain management, we added gentle physical therapy and brief sessions of targeted light exposure to the surgical area. Within days, the swelling eased. Bella’s energy lifted. Her tail wagged again. It was a quiet but powerful reminder that healing isn’t just about medicine — it’s about supporting the body’s natural ability to restore itself.
Light, in particular, plays a fascinating role in recovery. In veterinary medicine, what we often refer to as light therapy — or photobiomodulation — uses specific wavelengths to encourage cellular repair. It’s not magic; it’s biology. When tissues absorb certain kinds of light, their cells produce more energy, helping to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing.
I don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” treatments, and light therapy isn’t right for every case. But as part of a comprehensive care plan, I’ve seen it make a difference — helping wounds close faster, easing arthritic pain, and improving mobility in ways that help pets return to the lives they love sooner.
At Paw & Pestle, that same philosophy guides everything we do. Whether it’s prescriptions, supplements, or supportive therapies, our goal is to give veterinarians and pet parents tools that work together — grounded in science, delivered with compassion. Healing should never feel complicated or out of reach. It should feel natural, trusted, and designed with your pet’s wellbeing at heart.
Every day, I’m reminded that healing isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes, it’s about doing better — and letting a little light in.
With compassion and care– always,
Dr. Elena Shockman
Paw & Pestle 
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